Monday, September 9, 2013

UF Recruiting Roundup, 9/9

The Gators certainly suffered a bit of a setback for the Gators on the recruiting trail, with a 21-16 loss to the 'Canes on Saturday. And this is why:

– According to the Miami Herald, more than 100 recruits, and over 350 high school coaches attended the Florida-Miami game on Saturday. The UM coaching staff certainly put a lot on the line, in terms of this being a statement game. It paid off in spades. And a lot of big-time prospects were there to witness the win for the 'Canes.

– Among the major names in attendance who have not given a college pledge: St. Thomas Aquinas defensive lineman Anthony Moten (a former Florida commitment) and wide receiver Travis Rudolph (who at one time was believed to have Florida at the top of his list of schools.) If the Gators hoped to make an impression on both of those guys, they probably fell a bit flat.

– The outcome of the contest might have a bigger impact among the junior class, for whom there were a bunch of highly-regarded uncommited prospects: A pair of defenders from Trinity Christian in Jacksonville – LB Jeff Holland and DB Kevin Toliver – perhaps the top two prospects in the state for 2015. Coconut Creek Monarch DB Shawn Burgess-Becker, Miramar CB Tyrek Cole, Miami Killian DB Jaquan Johnson and a pair of athletes out of the Westminster Academy (RB Tim Irvin and TE Devonaire Clarington.)

– I wrote last week that the outcome of Saturday's game would have little outcome on the decisions of prospects, whether they were there in person or watching on TV. And I stand by that. For Miami, the benefit is this. They've been down for a couple of years now, and in the grand scheme of things, it's been several years since they have been a factor on the national scene in college football. The win against Florida doesn't bring them all the way back, but it helps. And the victory certainly doesn't hurt as a little selling point for Al Golden and his staff on the recruiting trail as well.

– As expected, things aren't quite settled with Florida WR commit Ermon Lane just yet. Reports have the top-rated athlete out of Homestead planning to make an official visit to Miami before National Signing Day. He will likely make a few official visit before making things official. But in any case, Lane tried to soothe the fears of Florida fans following the post-game developments.


We'll see if he holds to this train of thought or not over the coming months.

– Jacksonville Providence offensive lineman David Sharpe had some interesting comments to make after taking an unofficial visit to Athens for the Georgia-South Carolina game according to 247Sports ($). He's close to making a decision, but he doesn't know when it will happen. No leader, according to Sharpe.

“No team is out front right now,” Sharpe told Rusty Mansell. "I am just not really sure right now.”

I'm of the belief that Clemson has made a big move here. I wouldn't rule Georgia out, either. Dad is in their corner, and could wind up as a sort of compromise pick. I still think Florida is in the driver's seat, but that lead has really shrunk, if it's not gone outright. Will Muschamp and Tim Davis need to get Sharpe back on campus in two weeks for Tennessee, then put together an impressive showing to get the good vibes back. In any case, Sharpe has certainly become the most critical recruit remaining on the board for the Class of 2014.

– Finally, Big County Preps has a report on how the Tampa area will continue to be a hot spot for Florida on the recruiting trail. A trio of 2015 prospects, QB James Pensyl (6-5, 210, Land O'Lakes), RB T.J. Simmons (6-0, 190, Lakeland Christian) and LB Jaye Miner (6-3, 195, Wiregrass Ranch) are all off to a hot start for this season. Pennsyl is averaging nearly 300 yards a game passing, while Simmons is putting up over 200 yards per game on the ground and Miner has recorded nearly 40 tackles through two contests. All three players are very much on the radar for the Gators in looking ahead to next year.

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